Apple finally killed upgradability in its MacBook Pro line

If you’re buying a new MacBook Pro, you better upgrade to an SSD size you’re comfortable with.

MacRumors reader Jesse D. found a surprise on his new 15-inch MacBook Pro after unscrewing the bottom — the SSD was soldered to the logic board. If you’ve been paying attention, this isn’t all that shocking. Apple killed the ability to upgrade RAM in 2012 by soldering it in; it’s only logical that the SSD would follow suit at some point.

Last year’s 12-inch MacBook was the first to feature a non-upgradeable SSD, but I think many of us prized the MacBook Pro not only for its performance but the one sliver of upgradability we had left — storage. That and the promise of what was to come after a 400-plus day upgrade cycle might have been the driving force to wait for those who would have otherwise settled on a 12-inch MacBook.

There’s one glimmer of hope remaining for Apple fans — as long as you don’t need the Touch bar. The 13-inch, non-Touch bar model, still seems to have an upgradable SSD.

If Apple sticks to being Apple, you can expect this to die in the next refresh as well.